PM Seeks Proposals from Baloch Elders for Return of Dissidents
A grand jirga is underway in Quetta to address the situation in Balochistan, with the Prime Minister, Field Marshal, and other high-ranking officials in attendance. During his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Baloch elders to identify existing issues and engage in dialogue with the government.
The grand jirga in Quetta began with the national anthem, after which Balochistan Chief Minister Sardar Sarfraz Bugti welcomed the participants. He expressed gratitude for their presence and emphasized the need for continued national jirgas to find lasting solutions to prevailing problems.
In his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was grateful for the opportunity to attend the jirga. He congratulated the nation on a recent victory for truth, stating that adversaries were shaken by the success while allies stood more confident than ever. “Our armed forces have given India a defeat it will never forget,” he added. “We avenged 1971. When Pakistan became a nuclear power, the world witnessed our strength when we conducted six nuclear tests and stunned our enemies.”
He further stated that if Balochistan has grievances, they should be resolved through brotherhood and unity. “Terrorists are bloodthirsty and have no interest in Pakistan’s progress. You must defeat them. Identify the shortcomings so we can address them together with your advice.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the NFC Award would not have been signed without Punjab contributing funds beyond its share to meet Balochistan’s demands. “Punjab sacrificed from its own share to make the NFC possible. This was not a favor, but a national responsibility.”
He also announced development measures, including road construction using saved petroleum funds, provision of solar systems to Baloch farmers, and payment assistance for electricity bills.
Addressing the elders, he said, “Your complaints are respected, and we value them. But terrorists know only brutality. We must make a collective effort to bring back those who have gone astray.”
He affirmed that his government would never allow injustice to the province of Balochistan. “Sit together and tell us what issues must be resolved. Only through dialogue can a family prosper.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded by announcing that Balochistan would receive Rs. 250 billion out of the upcoming Rs. 1 trillion development program, with full transparency ensured in the utilization of these funds.
